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Last Updated

09 October 2017

Course content

Programme Background

The real estate market encompasses a diverse range of residential, commercial and industrial land and property. Real estate professionals advise on a broad range of areas needed by occupiers, developers and investors. This programme provides the foundation knowledge and skills needed by future property professionals.

The programme is designed to provide students with the essential learning components of economics, valuation, construction, investment, law, planning, management and development. It will build understanding of the complex interactions and dynamics of the property market, including a sound knowledge of valuation and appraisal techniques.

Professional Recognition

The MSc programme has professional accreditation from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and Heriot-Watt University is a leading centre for the education of commercial and residential property professionals in the UK.

Programme Structure

For the MSc, students undertake eight taught courses plus the research dissertation. Students on the Diploma programme take eight taught courses. Students can opt to complete a total of four courses and graduate with the Heriot-Watt University Postgraduate Certificate. Each taught course represents 150 hours of student effort and the dissertation represents 600 hours.

Mode of Study

The programme is offered on a full time study basis (12 months) or part time on a day-release basis (24 months). The programme is also offered via attendance-free distance learning.

Many of our distance learning students are in highly demanding employment. These students can opt to reduce the level of study per year and increase the study period to a maximum of six years, thus gaining a respected postgraduate degree whilst contributing to the CPD requirements of their professional bodies. Arrangements can be made for distance learning student to sit exams at a number of centres throughout the world. Students receive comprehensive course study packs by post. A PC with e-mail and Internet access is necessary for those students to gain the fullest learning experience from the programme.

Graduate Opportunities

The MSc in Real Estate Management and Development programme is focussed on industrial and professional relevance, ensuring that graduates of the programme are quickly able to make a positive and effective contribution to the success of their working environment, and the development of their own professional careers. The programme is suitable for graduates with an interest in pursuing a career as a general practice chartered surveyor with a focus on commercial or residential property valuation, development, management or investment.